What is the Auxiliary? As the word implies, Auxiliary
means help; the purpose of an Auxiliary is to assist and support the parent
organization in any way that lies within its power.
The Falmouth Hospital Auxiliary handbook spells out this mission: The
purpose of this organization shall be to promote and to advance the welfare
of Falmouth Hospital through ways approved by the Corporators of Cape Cod
Healthcare, Inc. This purpose shall be accomplished by interpretation of
the hospital service to the community through a good public relations program,
by its patients, and through fund-raising in a manner satisfactory to the
hospital administration and in harmony with community planning.
History of the Falmouth Hospital Auxiliary Falmouth
Hospital opened its doors on May 28, 1963, but its Auxiliary had been
flourishing long before than day.
Founded in 1957, it was originally a group of dedicated women who, once the
idea of a local hospital was proposed, met regularly in each other's homes with
the purpose of helping to bring a hospital to this area.
Getting the word out throughout the Upper Cape, the Auxiliary assisted the
early planners by keeping the dream of a new hospital constantly in front of
citizens in the area, first through serious fund-raising efforts.
The early Auxilians worked in all sections of the local towns, actually
going door to door to solicit donations while the founding fathers of the
hospital raised money from businesses and private donors. All worked
together so well and so successfully that the hospital was fully funded and was
able to open less than 10 years after the idea was first proposed.
What does the Auxiliary do? The Falmouth Hospital
Auxiliary has never lost sight of its mission to support the Hospital. Men
and women members do this in different ways:
They volunteer in one or more of the various services that were created
over the years to assist hospital personnel and patients.
They manage and staff the Gift Shop and the Thrift Shop, two of the
Auxiliary's most successful fund-raising activities.
They sponsor various affairs such as concerts, social events, programs by
well-known speakers, book fairs and various types of special sales.
They keep the community informed about the hospital by spreading the word
about the mission, the activities and the community services of the
hospital.
The Auxiliary Board meets monthly to plan and discuss various activities and
to hear guest speakers connected with the hospital explain and comment on what
is current and happening. The Auxiliary has a general meeting for all
members to review its actions during the past months. Entertainment, guest
speakers and refreshments highlight these meetings.
Why Join the Auxiliary? Many good things happen when you
join the Auxiliary:
You will be part of an historic organization that has loyally supported
Falmouth Hospital since before it opened.
You will derive satisfaction in knowing that you are an active part of the
hospital family.
You will be able to participate in the general meetings of the Auxiliary
and have the opportunity to meet each other.
Perhaps you are already a volunteer at Falmouth Hospital. By joining
the Auxiliary you will go one step further in demonstrating your support of the
mission and purpose of the hospital and of the work that the Auxiliary does in
so many ways, such as financial support of the hospital, scholarships to
health careers students, social events, fashion shows and lectures. As a
Volunteer and an Auxilian, you will be offering the Hospital your support in the
most wholehearted way possible.
To join the Falmouth Hospital Auxiliary, contact the Volunteer Office at
508-457-3521, or just drop in and fill out a form.
